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  • Relax Your Craic and Improv Your Parenting
    2025/06/11

    In this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting,' host Jeremy welcomes Susan Messing, an acclaimed improviser and educator with global experience. Susan shares her unique blend of parenting, utilizing improvisational techniques to nurture and connect with her daughter. Susan discusses the importance of meeting children where they are, offering them choices, and allowing them to explore their interests. With insights on balancing structure and flexibility, and anecdotes from her parenting journey, Susan highlights the value of empathy and adaptability. This engaging conversation is filled with wisdom for parents and educators alike, demonstrating how to transform parenting into artful play.


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

    00:06 Meet Susan Messing: A Journey in Improv

    00:44 Improv and Parenting: A Natural Fit

    02:03 Parenting Techniques and Improv Insights

    04:09 Navigating Challenges with Improv

    06:32 Adapting and Evolving as a Parent

    08:24 Balancing Structure and Flexibility

    14:28 Encouraging Self-Discovery in Children

    16:56 Managing Expectations and Realities

    23:27 The Importance of Apologizing and Learning

    25:16 Parenting Challenges and Humor

    26:09 Adapting Parenting Styles

    28:05 Religion and Parenting

    29:19 Co-Parenting Dynamics

    30:50 Encouraging Child's Interests

    31:53 Navigating Parenting Rules

    35:46 Improv and Parenting

    43:46 Final Thoughts on Parenting

    For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    50 分
  • Unleashing Creativity and Connection
    2025/06/04

    Improv Your Parenting: Jessica Rogers on Using Improv to Enhance Parenting and Education


    Welcome to 'Improv Your Parenting,' where we transform parenting into play! In this episode, we're joined by Jessica Rogers—an experienced improv teacher, director, and performer with over two decades of experience in the Chicagoland area and beyond. Jessica shares her journey into improvisation, her transition into education, and how she integrates improv principles in her personal and family life. Learn how Jessica fosters open communication, adaptability, and connection using improv. Discover practical tips for incorporating improvisation into parenting to create a fun, supportive, and collaborative environment for both parents and children. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the art of improv in parenting and education!


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

    01:08 Jessica Rogers' Journey into Improv

    03:17 Transition to Education and Chicago

    05:38 Teaching at Second City and Learning from Youth

    09:51 Improv Principles in Parenting

    11:51 Balancing Fun and Responsibility

    19:40 Building Trust and Openness

    21:31 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Improv

    For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    25 分
  • Transforming Everyday Life into an Engaging Learning Experience
    2025/05/28

    Improv and Parenting: A Conversation with Dr. Jim Ansaldo | Improv Your Parenting


    Join us in this episode of Improv Your Parenting as we explore the intersection of parenting and improvisation with Dr. Jim Ansaldo, a research scholar at Indiana University Bloomington. With over 20 years of experience in applied improvisation, teacher professional learning, and supporting teens on the autism spectrum, Dr. Ansaldo shares his rich insights into how improv can transform both educational and parenting practices. Discover the unique approach of Camp Yes, And, where educators learn and apply improv techniques, and hear personal stories about leveraging improv in homeschooling and parenting. Whether you're a parent, educator, or improv enthusiast, this engaging conversation offers valuable takeaways for enhancing learning and connection.


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

    00:05 Meet Dr. Jim Ansaldo

    00:16 Jim's Professional Journey

    01:07 Improv and Personal Life

    02:57 The Start of Jim's Improv Journey

    04:29 Improv in Education

    09:35 Creating Camp Yes, And

    11:22 Homeschooling and Parenting

    16:29 Community and Collaborative Learning

    19:47 Supporting Children's Choices

    22:49 Transition to Public School

    24:30 Post-High School Decisions

    26:45 Navigating Family Conflicts with Improv

    27:45 Balancing Authority and Independence in Parenting

    30:59 The Role of Self-Determination in Parenting

    33:02 Introduction to Camp Yes, And

    34:38 Creating Optimal Learning Conditions at Camp

    36:51 Empowering Educators and Parents through Improv

    46:29 The Importance of Presence and Play in Parenting

    47:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


    You can find out more about Jim and his work at: (http://yesand.indiana.edu)

    For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    49 分
  • Your Whole Life is Improv
    2025/05/21

    Join us on Improv Your Parenting as we explore the transformative power of improv in parenting with Jay Sukow. With over 30 years of experience in improv and as a father of four, Jay shares insightful stories and practical tips on how to use improv games and principles to enhance communication and problem-solving with kids. From dealing with high emotional intensity to the importance of empathy and adaptability, Jay's engaging conversation offers a fresh perspective on modern parenting. Learn how improv can turn everyday parenting challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Parenting

    00:22 Jay Sukow's Approach to Interacting with Kids

    01:11 Using Improv Games with Kids

    03:02 Parenting Advice and Personal Experiences

    08:17 Role of Play and Improv in Parenting

    15:02 Balancing Parenting and Personal Needs

    21:52 Embracing Creativity in Everyone

    22:23 The Role of Creativity in Anxiety

    22:42 Parenting Advice from a Neighbor

    23:11 The Power of Empathy in Parenting

    23:34 Positive Reinforcement vs. Threats

    24:15 Adapting Parenting Techniques

    25:16 Learning from Mistakes and Empathy

    28:35 Balancing Play and Discipline

    31:52 The Influence of Improv on Parenting

    33:46 Supportive Parenting and Personal Growth

    35:48 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Parents

    For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    41 分
  • The Art of Improv Parenting
    2025/05/14

    Improv Your Parenting with Olivia Walton: Transforming Parenting into Play


    In this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting,' host Jeremy Strozer sits down with Olivia Walton, a seasoned improv performer and instructor from the San Francisco Bay Area. Olivia shares her journey from high school theatre sports to professional improv, teaching at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and working with Comedy Sports and MopCo Improv Theatre. They discuss the intersection of improv and parenting, including how Olivia uses play and curiosity to engage with children, overcoming initial fears, the balance of boundaries and creativity, and conflict resolution techniques. Olivia also touches on her approach to teaching children, particularly those who are neurodiverse, and the importance of setting intentions and being present. The conversation wraps up with practical advice for new parents on integrating improv practices into daily parenting. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to turn the art of parenting into an enjoyable and engaging practice.


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

    00:06 Meet Olivia Walton: Improv Expert

    00:12 Olivia's Journey in Improv

    00:46 Improv and Interacting with Kids

    01:51 Finding Play in Interactions

    02:48 Overcoming Fear in Teaching Improv

    04:32 Setting Boundaries and Being Playful

    05:16 Practical Tips for Parents

    09:04 Adapting to Neurodiverse Needs

    11:17 Energy and Presence in Parenting

    16:45 Conflict Resolution and Redirection

    19:18 Future Parenting Challenges and Goals

    21:51 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Parents

    For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    26 分
  • Play is The Relationship
    2025/05/07

    Play is The Relationship - Discover the Playful Art of Parenting with Deana Criess


    Welcome to 'Improv Your Parenting,' where we transform parenting into play! In this episode, host Jeremy welcomes Deana Criess, a seasoned professional improviser with over 25 years of experience as a master instructor, director, and performer. Deana shares her journey of integrating improv into her professional role at Perkins School for the Blind, where she uses it to teach job and socialization skills to students with disabilities. She also opens up about how improv enriched her personal life, making her a more connected and responsive parent. Deana highlights the importance of being present, engaging in play, and fostering emotional regulation in children. The episode delves into using 'Yes, And' in parenting, handling conflicts constructively, and creating an inclusive and supportive environment both at home and in educational settings. Stay tuned until the end for a touching discussion about Deana's collaborative book project with her daughter, exploring the lifelong impact of improv on their family dynamics.


    00:00 Introduction to Deana Criess

    00:41 Deana's Professional Journey

    01:09 Improv in Parenting

    03:00 Personal Parenting Stories

    03:41 The Power of Play

    05:48 Improv and Parenting Techniques

    09:46 Evolving Play and Parenting

    12:46 Impact on Deana's Children

    15:50 Handling Conflicts with Improv

    18:07 Comforting New Parents

    18:49 Engaging in Physical Play

    18:58 Finding Agreement and Intentional Choices

    19:40 Handling School Challenges

    22:12 Validating Children's Emotions

    23:28 Improv in Education

    24:49 Career Journey in Improv

    31:11 Writing a Book on Improv and Parenting

    33:28 Reflecting on Parenting and Future Plans



    You can learn more about Deana at  deanachriess.com

    For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    35 分
  • Parenting with Play
    2025/04/30

    Parenting with Play: Engaging and Connecting with Your Child with Erica Marx


    Join us in this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting' as we sit down with Erica Marx, a leadership coach and facilitator, to explore how the principles of improv can inspire playful and effective parenting techniques. Erica shares personal stories and insights about being present, creating structure, and adapting to children's changing needs. From engaging toddlers to navigating the preteen years, discover how improvisation can build trust, enhance communication, and foster mutual understanding within families. To learn more about Erica's work, visit ericamarxcoaching.com.


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Parenting

    00:32 Erica Marx's Approach to Parenting

    02:07 Balancing Adult and Child Perspectives

    03:25 Evolving Parent-Child Interactions

    05:02 Empathy and Understanding in Parenting

    12:45 Conflict Management and Improv

    14:00 Applying Improv Skills in Parenting

    16:56 Building Mutual Understanding

    18:07 Dynamic Parenting Strategies

    19:53 Playful Parenting Dynamics

    20:50 The Role of Trust in Play

    22:25 Building a Safe Home Base

    24:11 Understanding Children's Perspectives

    26:47 Navigating Conflict and Mediation

    34:24 Parenting Principles and Advice



    You can learn more about Erica at: https://www.ericamarxcoaching.com/

    For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    36 分
  • The Improvisation Mindset
    2025/04/25

    The Improvisation Mindset: Transforming Parenting and Relationships with Fabian Brüggemann


    Join us in this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting' as we sit down with Fabian Brüggemann, a Germany-based corporate trainer and improvisational theater enthusiast. Fabian shares insights from his unique parenting journey, where he applies the principles of improv to interact with his two daughters. Learn how co-creation, flexibility, and mindfulness shape his parenting style, and discover practical tips for bringing playfulness into everyday life with your children. Whether you're a new parent or stepping into a blended family, Fabian's experiences offer valuable perspectives on maintaining a balance between fun and structure.


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

    00:05 Meet Fabian Brüggemann

    01:29 Improv in Parenting: Real-Life Examples

    04:19 Balancing Roles and Sensitivity

    06:02 The Importance of Presence and Flexibility

    07:10 Creating Safe Spaces for Growth

    16:26 The Power of Letting Go

    18:53 Playfulness and Connection

    22:43 Improv Principles in Parenting

    28:32 Community and Contribution

    32:42 Conclusion and Reflections

    For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    43 分